Dalglish: We deserved to beat City

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish feels his side were unlucky not to win their Anfield clash with Manchester City after Sunday’s match ended 1-1.

Liverpool fell behind to Vincent Kompany’s header in the 31st minute but levelled two minutes later when Joleon Lescott scored an own goal as he tried to block a Charlie Adam shot.

City striker Mario Balotelli was sent off for a second bookable offence with seven minutes to play in the English Premier League match – just 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The Reds applied late pressure but could not find a way past Joe Hart, who produced a stunning diving save in added time to keep out Andy Carroll’s powerful header, and Dalglish felt his side deserved more for their efforts.

“The performance was fantastic but I don’t think the players got what they fully deserved,” Dalglish said.

“I think we deserved the three points and quite easily could have won it, but we never managed to.”

“We got a fortunate goal but I think that is when our luck ran out. We have played against three or four goalkeepers who have played like that against us this season. Hopefully one day that will change.”

“Manchester City started better than us but once we got into it, I think we were the better team.”

“I don’t think we could have asked for much more from the players. They were fantastic in the way they went about their job.”

“I think the attitude and commitment has been superb almost since the day I came in. That is no surprise, but we also need to remember this is a team in its infancy a little bit as well, so they are doing well.”

City boss Roberto Mancini reacted angrily when Balotelli was dismissed for a rash challenge on Martin Skrtel, but Dalglish said the Italian only had himself to blame.

“I think Balotelli got himself sent off,” he said.

“Sometimes if you look in the mirror, you get the answer.”

“He doesn’t help himself. If you help yourself, you don’t get in that situation in the first place.”

Mancini, meanwhile, put the blame for Balotelli’s dismissal squarely with the Liverpool players, who he claimed influenced referee Martin Atkinson to reach into his pocket.

“It was not the correct decision,” Mancini said.

“Mario moved his arm but I got the impression the referee thought it was a free-kick but not a card.”

“After all the Liverpool players went to him complaining, he gave a second yellow card.”

“Mario should pay attention because he knows many players will provoke him. I’m disappointed with him about the first yellow card but not the second.”

“I don’t think the decision was correct. I have seen it again and still think so – it isn’t a second yellow card for me.”

Mancini was asked to respond to claims Balotelli had damaged a door in the visitors’ changing room at Anfield after being sent off.

“Mario was disappointed about the red card. If he damaged the door, he will pay, like he did with his house,” he said.